Acquisition
U.S. military aircraft fly in formation over the USS Theodore Roosevelt in the Philippine Sea on Feb. 24, 2024. (Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Thomas Gooley)
Opinion: Open development standards are key to keeping the US military on top
Nick Guertin and Jacob Glassman, Defense News
Modern warfare demands adaptable and flexible military systems. The article highlights the importance of Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) for rapid battlefield innovation. Recent conflicts underscore the need to swiftly counter new technologies. Cross-service collaboration, exemplified by the Navy's Hypersonic Weapons program, accelerates innovation. The role of small businesses and non-traditional contractors in scaling production is crucial. Implementing MOSA is key to maintaining the US military's edge in the future.
Navy looking at cloud as GFE to reduce CMMC burden
Jason Miller, Federal News Network
The Department of the Navy (DON) is exploring a cloud-based initiative to ease the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) burden on small businesses. The Navy is leveraging government furnished equipment (GFE) and cloud environments to reduce the costs and complexity of CMMC compliance for smaller contractors, as well engaging in a broader effort to modernize IT infrastructure.
Coming to a contract protest near you, loser pays legal fees
Tom Temin, Federal News Network
The DoD and GAO are tasked with developing a program that requires companies who lose bid protests to repay the legal costs of the DoD, the GAO, and the lost profits of the awardee. This is an expansion of a previous pilot program that was scrapped after two years, which only required repayment of costs to the DoD. Tom Temin and Venable procurement attorney Chris Griesedieck discuss the ins and outs of this proposal.
When termination for convenience becomes inconvenient
Tom Temin, Federal News Network
The article explores the complexities of government contracts, focusing on a case where a contractor faced unexpected termination by USAID in Ghana. It highlights the importance of understanding the rules and procedures to protect one's rights and the challenges of navigating the appeal process. This real-world example offers valuable insights and expert advice from procurement attorney Zach Prince on dealing with such terminations. Dive in to learn more about the intricacies of government contracts and how to safeguard your interests.
Innovation
A Special Tactics Airman, assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing, signals a plane to land at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico on March 1, 2024. Supported by U.S. Special Operations Command, Emerald Warrior is a joint special operations exercise that prepares U.S. Special Operations Command forces, Conventional Enablers, Partner Forces, and Interagency Elements to respond to various threats across the spectrum of conflict. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Natalie Vandergriff)
Special ops forces seek to manage digital footprints, achieve ‘security through obscurity’
Jon Harper, DefenseScoop
Special operations forces are adapting to new challenges on increasingly transparent battlefields by focusing on "security through obscurity," integrating advanced technology, and operating in a "triad" with space and cyber capabilities. This shift involves managing digital footprints, leveraging new technologies like AI and autonomous systems, and supporting broader military objectives in a strategic competition environment.
AIS@P: Army aims to get AI ASAP for intel, jammers and sensors
Sydney J. Freedberg Jr., Breaking Defense
The Army's "Artificial Intelligence & Software at Pace" (AIS@P) program is a $1 billion initiative designed to rapidly acquire AI and software solutions through a series of smaller, quickly-awarded task orders. Vendors must qualify for at least one of seven specialized pools to bid on task orders, which will have a tight 30-day turnaround from the issuing the RFP to making the award. The Army can remove underperforming vendors and bring on promising new ones, with a "perpetual onboarding" process beginning in early FY26.
Defense
Army photo
Army Learns Not Everything Broken Should Be Fixed
Sean Carberry, National Defense
The Army is working to improve maintenance and repair capabilities at the tactical edge, while also recognizing that some systems should be considered disposable rather than repaired. This involves both expanding forward repair capabilities and shifting the mindset toward fielding cheaper, attritable equipment.
Cost Savings: Forward repair of a Chinook helicopter in South Korea saved the Army more than $2 million and 200 days of repair time.
Navy Plan to Buy 85 New Ships Will Cost $1 Trillion, CBO Says
Sam LaGrone, USNI News
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the U.S. Navy's plan to expand its fleet to 381 manned vessels and 134 unmanned vehicles by 2045 will cost $1 trillion. This ambitious plan, driven by growing maritime competition with China, represents a substantial increase from current shipbuilding funding and necessitates a significant expansion of the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base.
Full CBO Report
Industry
Defense Tech and Acquisition Image
Supply Chains Respond to DoD Demand Signals
Matt MacGregor, Defense Tech and Acquisition
The defense industrial base faces challenges in scaling production to meet the demands of the Department of Defense (DoD), highlighting the need for proactive supply chain management and flexible contract requirements. The DoD should prioritize scalability and supply chain resilience in acquisition planning to avoid future bottlenecks.
- Demand Signals: The defense industrial base responds to clear demand signals from the DoD, but needs consistent long-term demand to invest in increased capacity.
- Scalability Factor: Suppliers are not accustomed to the high volumes of parts requested for programs. Scalability should be a major factor in acquisition planning to meet operational gaps.
- Fragile Supply Chains: Current supply chains are too fragile and potentially compromised. DOD loans and investments can help shore them up, but substantial change will requires market pressure in the form of consistent demand signals and a preference for capabilities that have scaling potential.
Securing Critical Minerals Vital to National Security, Official Says
David Vergun, DOD News
The DOD has awarded over $439 million since 2020 to establish domestic rare earth element supply chains, recognizing the need for nearly all 17 rare earth elements. The U.S. defense industrial base relies on these minerals for weapons systems, and disruptions from adversarial actions have highlighted the vulnerability of the supply chain. DOD is mitigating risks with a multi-pronged approach intended to build resilient and secure supply chains.
Amphib suppliers say multi-ship buy will yield ‘immediate benefits’ in coming year
Justin Katz, Breaking Defense
A recent multi-ship buy of amphibious warships is expected to yield immediate benefits for the industrial base, including improved hiring, retention, and training (46%) and investments in equipment for quality and timely delivery (42%).
The large-scale purchase, valued at $9.4 billion, promises cost savings for taxpayers and crucial stability for the shipbuilding industry, addressing long-standing challenges faced by suppliers. The contract's structure, involving pre-agreed prices for multiple ships, underpins this positive outlook, ensuring predictability for the supply chain and boosting the US Navy's amphibious warfare capabilities.
AUKUS May Sink or Strengthen U.S. Submarine Industrial Base
Laura Heckmann, National Defense
The AUKUS agreement, a security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, aims to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines, but faces challenges due to production delays and industrial base limitations in the U.S. The partnership presents both risks and opportunities for strengthening the submarine industrial base of all three nations.
4 ways Trump should work with the China Commission to secure supply chains
Dean Cheng and Jo-Anne Sears, Breaking Defense
The article outlines four key strategies for former President Trump to collaborate with the China Commission to secure supply chains, emphasizing the importance of this cooperation in maintaining national security and economic stability. Strengthening supply chains is crucial to mitigate risks from geopolitical tensions, ensure the availability of critical materials, and protect against potential disruptions. This collaboration is vital for enhancing the resilience of the U.S. economy and safeguarding its technological and industrial base in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
Research
Photo: U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. James Cason
Burden Sharing via Modular Open Systems Approaches: A Collaborative Path to Affordable Mass
Gregory Sanders & Audrey Aldisert, Center for Strategic and International Studies
The paper emphasizes the importance of burden-sharing and modular open systems approaches in achieving affordable mass for military capabilities. By adopting these strategies, the U.S. and its allies can enhance interoperability, reduce costs, and increase the scalability of their defense systems. This collaborative approach is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in modern warfare, ensuring that military forces can rapidly adapt to evolving threats while managing budget constraints effectively. The impact of this research lies in its potential to transform defense procurement and operational strategies, fostering greater efficiency and resilience in military operations.
Innovation intermediation in supply networks: Addressing shortfalls in buyer and supplier capabilities for collaborative innovation
Kostas Selviaridis & Martin Spring, Journal of Operations Management
The research investigates how innovation intermediaries address capability shortfalls in supply networks, particularly between buyers and suppliers. By creating workspaces for R&D, refining requirements, de-risking solutions, supporting contracting, and facilitating implementation, intermediaries enhance collaborative innovation. This research is impactful as it highlights the critical role of intermediaries in bridging gaps, fostering innovation, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of supply networks. The findings suggest that leveraging intermediaries can significantly boost innovation outcomes and operational performance in various sectors.
Events
Naval Postgraduate School Innovation in Action Emerging Technology and Student Showcase
21 January 2025
Monterey, CA
WEST 2025 AFCEA
28-30 January 2025
San Diego, CA
NCMA Nexus
9-12 February 2025
Long Beach, CA
Mapping the U.S. DOD Acquisition Ecosystem
11 February 2025
Washington DC or Virtual
39th Annual National Logistics Forum
11-13 February 2025
Orlando, FL
Creative Disruptors in the Desert
21-22 February, 2025
Indian Wells, CA
2025 Munitions Executive Summit
18-19 March, 2025
Parsippany, NJ
22nd Annual Acquisition Research Symposium & Innovation Summit
Creating Synergy for Informed Change - Transitioning Technology
7-8 May 2025
Monterey, CA
2025 ASNE Intelligent Ships Symposium
12-14 May 2025
Philadelphia, PA
DLA Supply Chain Alliance Conference & Exhibition
11-12 June 2025
Richmond, VA
One more thing...
Martin Luther King Jr. had a profound impact on American society and the world through his leadership in the civil rights movement. His advocacy for nonviolent protest and his powerful speeches, such as the iconic "I Have a Dream," inspired millions to fight for equality and justice. King's efforts led to significant legislative changes, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which dismantled institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination. His legacy continues to influence contemporary social justice movements, reminding us of the importance of perseverance, compassion, and the ongoing struggle for true equality.
|
